KATA_e

Asociacion Argentina S.K.I.

First of all it is interesting to show some concepts generated by Master kanazawa himself related to this subject.

The teaching of kata (Shihan H. Kanazawa)

Kata is a carateristical part of Martial Arts of Japan and the positions are based in the real experience of the old masters of Karate during the battle. They are, therefore, based on reality.

The practice of kata has not to be limited to the body but has to train the intelect and the spirit.

Each kata has to begin and end with cortesy, showned by a bow.

A kata isn´t an acumulation of basic techniques but a unique form that from begining to end has to be done in a stream, in an active and energetic manner as it would be a living entity, not only a serie of movements.

The kata has not to be changed according to the preference of the executor.

The three important aspects: power adjustment - hard and soft, the speed of thechniques, and the movement and expasion of the body, has to be showned in the execution.

The movements of Kata has to be done in the correct secuence.

The movements of the kata and the respiration of the executor has to be related, and the fast secuences of techniques has to be done in one breathing.

The quantity of steps and hand´s movements of a kata has to be uniform, and the ideal time required to do the kata has to be understood.

The direction towards the eyes look has to correspond with the movements of the Kata, and the intention of the executor has to be clearly showned in his movements.

CATEGORIES OF KATA

There are three types of katas

the combat katas (Rintô-gata), these are the ones that can be done for Bunkai for the combat.

the learning katas (Hyôen-gata) they are useful for the learning of kihon, the movement, the power, speed, etc., example: Heian.

the energetic katas (Rentan-gata). they are useful for the development of energy. Its practice and an special breathing produce the recovery of the internal energy, examples of these katas are Tensho, Sanchin and Hangetsu (Shotokan).

RELATION BETWEEN KATAS PRACTICED IN OTHER SCHOOLS WITH SHOTOKAN

SHOTOKAN	SHITO-RYU	WADO-RYU
Gankaku	Chinto	Chinto
Chintei	Chintei
Gojushiho-Dai	Gojushiho
Jion	Jion	Jion
Jitte	Jitte	Jitte
Jiin	Jiin
Kanku-Dai	Kosokun-Dai	Kusanku-Dai
Kanku-Sho	Kosokun-Sho	Kusanku-Sho
Tekki 1-3	Naifanchi 1-3	Naifanchi 1
Nijushiho	Neiseishi	Nijushiho
Heian 1-5	Pinan 1-5	Pinan 1-5
Bassai-Dai	Bassai-Dai	Patsai
Bassai-Sho	Bassai-Sho
Meikyo	Rohai 1-3	Rohai
Hangetsu	Sesan	Seshan
Sochin	Sochin
Unsu	Unsu
Enpi	Wansu	Wansu
Wankan	Wankuan

Specific items in the execution

Basic elements of the kata

Main flaws in the execution of katas

Correct order. The secuence and number of movements is predefined All must be done.

Yoi no Kisin The spirit of the preparation. Concentration of the mind and the will. The kata must begin and end in the same place of the embusen.

Kiai. The yell

Keitai no hoji The correct control of the technique and positions

Unnecesary movements made in any technique or movement.

Elevation of the gravity center in desplazamientos, twists and change of directions.

Meaning of each movement. Each movement must be clearly comprehended and totally expressed.

Inyio The active (attack) and the pasive (defence).

Zanshin The alert spirit.

Unknowledge of the aplication of the techniques, which are showned in the trajectory of these in the katas.

Lack of termination and final solidity on the positions, not rooting with the floor.

Knowledge of the target. It is necesary to have knowledge of the target and the moment to execute the technique.

Tya kugan The aim. It has to be in mind the aim of the technique.

Oscillation in the looking between techniques, Yodan, Chudan, Gedan.

Looking before the movement.

Rhytm y time. The rythm must appropriate to each particular kata.

Chikara no Kiojaku The way the strenght must be used.

Waza no Kankiu The speed of the mass. The speed involved in each position and movement of the kata.

Tai no Shinshuku The degree of expantion and concentration of the body

Incorrect Unsoku, lift the foot of the floor or drag it excessively.

Not use of the traction of the stomach and pelvic in the movements

Give final stamps

Bad support of the heel of the rear foot or bounce of it.

Movement of the knee of the support foot in relation with the movement of the hip

Excess or lack of muscular tension

Disconnection of the upper part of the body in relation with the hip and lower part of the body. It is showned leaving behind the shoulders in each movement.

Incorrect mechanic utilization of the bone-articulated crowbars

Correct breathing

Kokyo The breathing. This has to change in each situation, but basically inhale when defending, exhale when the technique is executed, and inhale and exhale when it is executed consecutive techniques.

Breath excessively and out of proportion in relation with the final kime.

Hold the breathing.

Wrong trunk inclination.

Program of katas in SKIF

KYU	KATA
8th - Yellow	Heian Shodan
7th - Orange	Heian Nidan
6th - Green	Heian Sandan
5th - Blue	Heian Yondan
4th - Purple	Heian Godan
3th - Brown	Tekki Shodan
2nd and 1st - Brown	Bassai Dai Kanku Dai Jion Enpi

DANS
SHODAN	NIDAN	SANDAN	YONDAN	GODAN
Bassai Dai Kanku Dai Enpi Jion Jitte	Hangetsu Tekki Nidan Bassai Sho Gankaku Kanku Sho	Sochin Tekki Sandan Chinte Ji’in Nijushiho	Meikyo Unsu Wankan	Meikyo Unsu Wankan Gojushiho Dai Gojushiho Sho
Katas included by Kancho Kanazawa
Gankaku-Sho Seienchin Seipai